“Why,” said Phil, “are you not aware that he gave me three or four dozen of them for gratuitous distribution, as he calls it. Yes, it is called 'The Religious Attorney,' being a reconcilement between honesty and law, or a blessed union between light and darkness; by Solomon M'Slime, attorney at law.
“Which tract,” continued Val, “was written for the sole purpose of recommending himself to the notice of the religious world aforesaid, more, by the way, as an attorney than as a Christian. And a very good speculation it proved, for, whereas he was then scarcely able to make both ends meet by mere professional roguery, and dressed in a black gown—which you know he always wears in court—yet he no sooner threw the cloak of religion over that, than he advanced rapidly—and the consequence is that he is now privately a usurious discounter of bills.”
“Faith and honor, now, father, do you,tell me so?”
“It's a fact, Philip, my son, and what is more—but the truth is, that neither he nor I can afford to quarrel with each other.”
“Why, father? what's that 'more' you were going to add?”
“At this present time, Phil, it must bo secret—but it is arranged between him and me, that he is to succeed Harman in Beleveen; whilst you are to come in for M'Loughlin's holding.”
“For which I shall have the pleasure,to drink your health to-night, my old boy—upon my honor and soul you are an excellent old cock, and I'm very proud of you.”
“Go ahead, Phil; no nonsense. But stay, are those fellows of mine come yet?—I shall receive their informations, and have Harman in the stone jug before night. It is a bad case of murder committed upon a man in the execution of the law, do you see, Phil, and consequently I cannot take bail.”
“No, certainly not, captain—as Darby says, certainly not, plaise your worship—ha, ha!”
“Come, Phil, keep quiet; it is now time that operations should seriously commence. I have gained most of my points, thank—Valentine M'Clutchy, at all events. I am head agent; you are my Deputy-master of an Orange Lodge—a Magistrate, and write J.P. after my name—Captain and Paymaster in the Castle Cumber cavalry, and you lieutenant; and though last, not least, thanks to my zeal and activity in the Protestant cause, I am at length a member of the Grand Panel of the county. Phil, my boy, there is nothing like religion and loyalty when well managed, but otherwise—”